Accessibility and movements in space

When combining the spatial and temporal dimensions, it is then possible to model trajectories in space. The modelling of trajectories concerns the type of moving features –people or goods- throughout space, with the means of transportation, as well as with the way space is modelled.

We already have identified three major levels of a model of space (I-AN, 1. Introduction to Intermediate Spatial Analysis, Section 1.2), from a “simple” homogeneous surface to a heterogeneous surface with anisotropic properties:

                          Modelling spatial properties in different manners                         Modelling spatial properties in different manners

When space is modeled with both geometric and thematic dimensions, it is then possible to model movements and trajectories in this space in a more complex, but more realistic, manner. Spatial dynamics models share some common concepts. From already discussed diffusion models, we will retain two basic concepts for modeling termaccessibility and termmovements in space: termbarriers and termfriction. In reality, space is experienced as an environment with heterogeneous properties with respect to movement. Each place retains or favours a variable rate of movement with moving features. This is modelled with the concept of friction. In extreme situations movement is strictly restricted within a network, such as road networks. Any other location in this space is inaccessible, acting as an impermeable barrier to movement; its friction is infinite.

Spatial dynamics models share some common concepts. From already discussed diffusion models, we will retain two basic concepts for modeling accessibility and movements in space: barriers and friction.

In reality, space is experienced as an environment with heterogeneous properties with respect to movement. Each place retains or favours a variable rate of movement with moving features. This is modelled with the concept of friction. In extreme situations movement is strictly restricted within a network, such as road networks. Any other location in this space is inaccessible, acting as an impermeable barrier to movement; its friction is infinite.

Major concepts applied in movement models:

Major components influencing the movement in spaceMajor components influencing the movement in space